Of the twelve zodiac signs, Aquarius has the most incriminating reputation for being emotionally distant– particularly when it comes to their romantic relationships. Anyone who’s spent enough time studying astrology knows that it takes more than analyzing a person’s Sun sign to determine how any two people might find themselves feeling around each other. Nevertheless, it does provide a basic understanding of how the different energies will likely work together.

Besides someone’s Sun, you can use this article to better understand how Aries and Aquarius unite in planets like the Moon, Mercury, Mars, and Venus. The latter pairing is significant in terms of romantic relationships, as the first (which also rules Aries) governs our sexual expression, while Venus is all about love, art, romance, and beauty. If you’re an Aquarius wondering how you can strengthen your friendship with an Aries in your life, or wondering if the cutie you keep crossing paths with could turn into your next hot hookup, keep scrolling to read what the cosmos have to say about your potential.

What are Aries’ Like?

Anyone born from March 21st to April 19th falls under the category of Aries, meaning they’re likely to be known for their high energy and adventurous spirit. Represented by the ram (who takes a bold, headstrong approach to life), it’s the first sign of the zodiac wheel– a quick indicator of an unusually short temperament. However, just as quickly as this cardinal fire sign lashes out at you, they’re jumping on to the next topic of conversation, seemingly forgetting all about your spat.

The benefit of this is that Aries’ rarely get bogged down by feelings (of course, depending on their Moon, Venus, Mars, and other placements). Their downfall comes in the form of emotional immaturity, and impulsivity which can lead to a lack of discipline. What this sign has on its side as it seeks to grow into a more stable version of itself is childlike eyes of wonder which allow them to learn lessons easily from those with more spiritual and worldly wisdom.

What are Aquarius’ Like?

Though Aquarius season falls before Aries on the calendar, it’s the eleventh sign in the annual cycle, making it the most evolved air sign of all three (the other two being Gemini and Libra). We begin Aqua season on January 20th, and it runs until February 18th; after that, Pisces will close out the remainder of winter. As previously stated, this sign can be stereotyped as cold and detached, but there’s much more to it than that. They’re all about ushering in change that’s for the greater good of humanity. This is largely thanks to ruling planet Uranus’ influence – a planet that’s all about innovation and imagination.

Their mascot is the water bearer, someone who’s known for their life-giving spiritual energy and the ability to hold space for, or contain emotions. Sure, your Aqua bestie or boyfriend may not express their emotions outwardly (unless they have strong water influence, such as a Scorpio Moon), but you can always count on them to help you look at your feelings in a more analytical light when you feel like you’re drowning. “Aquarians are compassionate, humanitarian and generous, with a unique and sometimes eccentric perspective, which makes them the rebels of the zodiac,” astrologer Lisa Stardust recently told People.

Aries and Aquarius Romantic Compatibility

From what we’ve told you so far, it’s obvious that there are some key differences between Aries and Aquas, which could result in a love story gone awry. Nevertheless, someone’s Sun sign is seldom reason enough to write them off entirely, so let’s examine what might come from these two signs starting a romantic relationship.

Those represented by the ram tend to act on impulse and fall in love quickly, which is a far cry from the often guarded instincts of an Aquarius. The latter is cautious in letting themselves be fully known, but with enough charisma and warm, infectious, fire energy an Aries can wear down almost anyone. Of course, it’s worth noting that while they can fall in love at first sight, an Aries will walk away with as much ease. Knowing this, any water bearer being pursued but feeling hesitant to go all-in at this time might move forward even more rapidly knowing the excitement that awaits them.

At their best, an Aquarius and Aries couple will find themselves feeling mutually supported to show up as their highest selves. Where issues might arise in the long run can be with keeping the flame between you alive as the friendship side of your bond deepens. With intention, healthy communication, and teamwork this can be easily navigated.

Aries and Aquarius Sexual Compatibility

With Aquarius being the zodiac’s eleventh sign, and Aries being the first, they create what’s called a sextile, or 60-degree angle on the wheel. Astrologers will tell you that this is a known marker of fast friends or lovers, and can result in some spicy sexual encounters. Something serious may not come organically in this dynamic, but with enough work, it can be done.

If you want to keep your booty call from disappearing, do everything in your power to keep things fun and interesting. Being open about fantasies and finding ways to comfortably incorporate them into your bedroom antics can do wonders for Aries and Aqua lovers feeling that initial spark beginning to fade.

Aries and Aquarius Friendship Compatibility

This is a friendship that requires a lot of intentional communication to survive but can bring plenty of fun nonetheless. Aquarians are most comfortable in the company of other air signs as all three share a need for intellectual stimulation. However, having a vast range of interests and knowledge makes it easy for late January and early to mid-February babies to mingle with virtually anyone.

Where potential hiccups lie is in Aries’ naturally assertive nature, which might be too much for their airy friends, or in Aquarius’ Type-A tendencies. The latter can rear their head despite our free-spirited energy, making hot-headed fire signs feel annoyed and belittled. When they come together in harmony, an Aqua is capable of helping its’ ram work on the art of discipline, while the joie de vivre Aries carries with them at all times brings a welcome injection of warmth.

Ideal activities to grow closer in this friendship include hiking or moving your body outdoors, testing out a new workout class, or exploring a mutual interest together. If you can strike up a bond without either trying to overpower or outdo the other, there’s potential here, just do your best not to take things personally and communicate your feelings with one another openly to ensure mutual respect.

Are Aries and Aquarius Compatible?

We’ve given you plenty to consider when it comes to the Aries and Aquarius dynamic, and now it’s up to you to decide if you think it’s what you’re looking for. Both are in their yang, or masculine energy, meaning they’re more about taking action and “doing” than feminine signs, who experience the world more emotionally, through “being.” Air and fire are compatible elements that can greatly aid one another on their respective journeys, however, they can also stifle the other if things aren’t properly nurtured.

“They’ll often have similar values and attitudes about politics, raising a family, which movies to rent, and friendship and communication are the hallmarks of this aspect,” the AstroTwins tell MindBodyGreen of pairs who are sextile. With this in mind, we can say that it’s more than possible for you to have a healthy, happy, respectful relationship (no matter if it is romantic, platonic, or strictly sexual) with an Aries/Aquarius, as long as you’re willing to put in some work and move with great intention. By taking time to better understand the energy in your birth chart, as well as what can be found in your partner’s, you can feel more empowered and confident in how you love yourself and them, no matter what your signs are.